Latest news with #TeTauihu
RNZ News
18-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Māori Queen emotionally gifted whale jawbone at Nelson marae
Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po on her first visit to Whakatu Marae in Nelson. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee In her first official visit to the top of the South Island, Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, was gifted a large whale jawbone, a taonga that brought her to tears. It was the first time a Māori monarch has visited Te Tauihu since former Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Te Arikinui's grandmother opened the Whakatū Marae wharekai, Mauriora, in 2005. The Queen was welcomed onto the marae on Saturday by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu, with the event led by Tainui Waka iwi (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa Rangatira). The kaupapa of the event was to honour the late King Tūheitia and receive his kawe mate (mourning ceremony), alongside reaffirming the shared whakapapa and commitment between Te Tauihu and the Kiingitanga. The jawbone (kauae parāoa) and 48 teeth (niho) were gifted to Maori Queen Te Arikinui from the eight iwi of Te Tauihu and came from a sperm whale that washed ashore on Rabbit Island in 2016. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee Te Arikinui and members of the Kingitanga and Waikato-Tainui iwi were addressed by representatives of each of the eight Te Tauihu iwi during a powhiri, the Queen joined in the whakangahau kapa haka and enjoyed a formal lunch that included crayfish, kina and creamed paua, before planting a tree on the marae grounds. She was then presented with a long awaited gift - a whale's jawbone (kauae parāoa) and its teeth (niho) - in an emotional ceremony, nearly a decade after the whale washed ashore. Barney Thomas, who represented the eight Te Tauihu iwi making the gift, said it was originally intended for Te Arikinui's grandmother, to acknowledge the support her grandmother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, had shown Te Tauihu iwi, particularly in the establishment of Whakatū Marae. The jawbone and teeth came from a bull sperm whale that washed up on Rabbit Island from Tasman Bay in 2016. It was more than 18 metres long and weighed between 60 and 70 tonnes. The jawbone was removed from a bull sperm whale that washed ashore dead on Rabbit Island in 2016. Photo: Supplied/ Department of Conservation Thomas said they named the whale Koro and had intended to present it to King Tūheitia before his death, but he had been too unwell to receive it. The 4.2 metre jawbone and 48 teeth had been held in trust by the eight iwi since being removed from the whale and it symbolised the whakapapa ties between Te Tauihu and the Kingitanga. Waikato-Tainui leader Tuku Morgan said the visit to Whakatū Nelson marked the return to a place that had been very special for the family as the late Dame Te Atairangikaahu had sought refuge in Te Tauihu. "This is a place where she came to talk to some very close friends, notwithstanding the fact that we are genealogically aligned to the tribes here in this region, the [former] Māori Queen found this a very special place." The whare tupuna, Kaataki, at Whakatu Marae was opened by Te Arikinui's grandmother, Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, in 1995. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee "It's remarkable because it's nearly 30 years since the opening of the meeting house (Kaakati), it was opened by her grandmother and for her to retrace her steps come today is hugely important." Morgan said it was difficult to find the appropriate words to explain exactly how Te Arikinui felt about the significance of the gift she had been presented with. "These are things that actually come once in a generation, you don't see this kind of gift, this sort of taonga, given all that often." He said it was also special that she had chosen to participate in kapa haka during the visit, which was not common. Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po was visibly moved after being gifted the jawbone and teeth from a sperm whale, a gift originally intended for her grandmother. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee "The fact that she got up on her feet and performed alongside her iwi is a clear indication that this hui at Te Tauihu is hugely important, it just connects us as a people, it's a celebration of who we are and she was moved by it." Morgan said Te Arikinui supported Te Tauihu's bid to host Te Matatini in 2027 and had attended the two previous national kapa haka competitions hosted in Nelson, Te Mana Kuratahi in 2023 and Te Huinga Whetū in 2024. Te Arikinui, who performed at Te Matatini herself, was a staunch supporter of kapa haka. "It is the cultural showcase of this nation, it is the lifeblood of the Māori people. It is the heart and soul of who we are as a people and she's a total supporter of the cultural renaissance in this country and more especially, Te Matatini." Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po joining in the kapa haka at Whakatū Marae. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee Morgan said it was more important than ever, for iwi to be united. "Across this country, we are suffering the consequences of some some of the most racist policies by this government, hard-fought policies and laws that have been passed over time have been removed, got rid of, wiped out by this government. So, this is this is an important time for us to stand together, to work together not only politically but also economically." Ngāti Kuia representative Tiana Alesana said there was much excitement among the many tamariki and rangatahi who had come from across the region to see the Queen, who they felt an affinity with given her youth and support of kapa haka. "There's been this real resurgence of understanding of Māori, especially here in Te Tauihu among our tamariki. They know more than what I knew and what our kaumātua were able to know and I think all the generations know how special it is to be here and to look after our ariki for the day. Ngāti Kuia representative Tiana Alesana. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee Alesana said Te Arikinui represented her father at the kapa haka primary school nationals in Nelson in 2023 and the secondary school nationals the following year, which meant she was recognisable by tamariki and rangatahi. Then with her crowning and becoming Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā wai hono i te po, with social media, with the availability of live streaming of kaupapa, have this affinity to her already. Te Ātiawa o te Waka-A-Maui chair Rachel Hāte said for some, it was a once in a lifetime event to host the Kiingitanga. The iwi had hosted both King Tūhitea and Dame Te Atairangikaahu at Waikawa Marae in Picton and were now able to welcome Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po at Whakatū Marae in Nelson. Te Ātiawa o te Waka-A-Maui chair Rachel Hāte. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee "Seeing our Queen rise up, stand and whakamana a kaikōrero on her side, for our babies to see that, that was huge." Ngāti Tama ki Te Waipounamu associate trustee Daniel Solomon said the queen's visit had strengthened South Island iwi connections with the Kiingitanga. "I have two young daughters and my oldest, she idolises the Queen and as a parent it's awesome to see someone of that standard for our people, being an icon and an example." Ngāti Koata pou whakahaere (general manager) Turi Hippolite said the Queen's visit was a reminder of the importance of the strength of kotahitanga. Ngāti Koata pou whakahaere (general manager) Turi Hippolite. Photo: RNZ/Samantha Gee "From an iwi perspective where Māori are currently going through challenges, whether it be political or socially, but this visit here reminds us that with a bit of a kōtahitanga and that we can actually bind together and stay strong. "It's significant that we can actually build that relationship with our Tainui cousins again, significant that our young people see the Queen and her readiness for our rangatahi to aspire to higher things."
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
Press Release – Nelson City Council What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the … A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
Press Release – Nelson City Council What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the … A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
Scoop
17-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Bridge Street Design Brings The Ebb And Flow Of Whakatū To Life
A revised design for Bridge Street has been released as part of the Bridge to Better project, incorporating changes informed by feedback including cycle links, parking and cultural design elements shaped by local iwi. This stage of the design builds on the developed design released in late 2024, and incorporates greater detail to the layout, materials, and cultural expression that will feature in the redesigned Bridge Street, as shaped through a co-design process with iwi and extensive engagement with local businesses, property owners, and stakeholders. The design is guided by the concept of tai timu, tai pari (the ebb and flow of the tides), a narrative gifted by the eight iwi of Te Tauihu. It speaks to the natural cycles that have shaped this place through time, while expressing our identity as a coastal city. This theme is expressed through the street via a unifying Aramoana paving pattern, symbolising waterways shaping the layout of spaces and features across the project. City Centre Revitalisation Taskforce Chair Rohan O'Neill-Stevens says the design embodies a distinctly local identity. 'This is about designing a street that truly belongs to this place — shaped by our shared stories, unique identity, and diverse ecology. 'What makes this design special is how everyday elements have been given meaning. From the paving to the drinking fountains, every detail is an opportunity to express who we are — bringing a sense of place to even the most functional parts of the street.' New proposed design features include: An Aramoana pattern that will feature throughout the street, tracing the transition from estuary to forest, celebrating the relationship between people and water Taiao markers will be small, playful sculptural features that create curiosity and intrigue, reflecting local plants and wildlife that once thrived in the area Street furniture inspired by traditional forms, bringing cultural expression into everyday functional elements to create a distinct local identity for the street Featured stone will showcase the rich diversity of the mineral belt that is unique to this region, featuring locally sourced stone in the street for the first time. Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says this stage of design also includes a range of changes shaped by community feedback, saying the amendments made reflect a genuine attempt to respond to what Council has heard and make practical changes, while staying true to the project's vision. Changes include: Two additional carparks at the western end of the street near Red Gallery Improved cycleway connections northbound along Haven Road towards Anzac Park Consideration to changing parking limits to mostly P60 (1-hour) to encourage vehicle turnover, with some P10 short-term spaces and time-restricted loading zones. Construction staging is being planned with Isaac Construction, Council's preferred contractor secured under the Early Contractor Involvement tender process. To reduce disruption, Council is looking at a holistic staging process, considering all projects within the inner city and surrounding area and exploring options to complete early works ahead of the busy Christmas period, although exact timing is yet to be confirmed. 'We know construction brings disruption and now that we're getting closer to the final design, we're working closely with our contractors and businesses on timing, staging and access to minimise and mitigate the impacts of these works as much as possible. Our focus is on delivering a street that works well both during construction and long after completion,' Alec says. The design is now undergoing peer review to confirm it meets technical and construction standards. The Bridge to Better project includes significant major upgrades to underground infrastructure beyond Bridge Street, ensuring Bridge Street is ready to support future housing and population growth. This includes new water, stormwater and wastewater reticulation, designed to improve resilience and service reliability in the city centre. Early watermain upgrade works on Halifax/Collingwood and Bridget Street East are underway now and are expected to be completed by mid-year. These works were brought forward to minimise disruption ahead of the larger pieces of work. Council is currently seeking feedback on proposed parking time limits, one-way laneway access to increase footpath space, and any final observations on the overall design. 'This is a living design process, and we're still listening,' says Alec. 'We're keen to hear further feedback — particularly around parking limits and laneway access — and our team is continuing to work directly with affected businesses and property owners to ensure the final design works for those who use the street every day.' Feedback on the detailed design can be given via Shape Nelson by 13 June, 2025.
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Long-standing Nelson Tenths case back in court
The Nelson Tenths case, thought to be the country's longest-running property dispute, is heading back to court next April. Photo: 123RF The descendants of customary landowners across the top of the South Island remain hopeful of resolving a long-standing legal battle over land across Nelson and Tasman, outside of court. A date has been set in the Court of Appeal for a week-long hearing next April, after the Crown appealed a recent High Court ruling that found customary landowners - Ngā Uri - were entitled to thousands of hectares of Crown land and millions of dollars in compensation. In the 1830s, the Crown promised Māori in Te Tauihu (the top of the South Island) that if they sold 151,100 acres of land to the New Zealand Company - they'd be able to keep one-tenth. Instead, they got less than 3000 acres, now known as the Nelson Tenths Reserves. Making the Tenths Whole (Te Here-ā-Nuku) project lead Kerensa Johnston said it was disappointing to be heading back to court, given the High Court had agreed with almost all of the evidence it put forward at the 10-week hearing in August 2023 Kerensa Johnston at Te Awhina Marae in Motueka. Photo: Supplied / Melissa Banks Photographer "Our request to the Attorney-General still stands - to step outside the courtroom to resolve this with us kanohi ki te kanohi." In the High Court, Justice Rebecca Edwards largely sided with kaumātua Rore Stafford, who sued the Crown in 2010 on behalf of ngā uri, the descendants of the tūpuna named in the 1893 Native Land Court list and the descendants of specific Kurahaupō tūpuna. The decision reaffirmed what the Supreme Court ruled in 2017, that the government must honour the land deal between the New Zealand Company and Māori. Johnston said following the recent appeal, an application was made to "leapfrog" the Court of Appeal and have the case heard in the Supreme Court but it was dismissed, on the grounds the issues were factually and legally complex, with its resolution meriting full consideration in the Court of Appeal. "From our perspective, it was really an attempt to deal with this matter as efficiently and practically as we can, given that we've now been in litigation with the Crown for almost 16 years." Four out of five Supreme Court judges in the 2017 ruling found the Crown owed fiduciary duties to the trust representing descendants of the customary landowners, which was to reserve the land for the benefit of the Māori customary owners. Photo: Getty Images / Hagen Hopkins In the interim High Court decision released last year, Justice Rebecca Edwards sought further submissions to settle the issue of relief, which she said was likely to be less than a $1 billion, before interest. Johnston said those submissions had been filed and the final High Court decision is expected to be released shortly. She said the descendants remained hopeful of reaching a resolution outside court had made multiple requests to meet with the Crown and the Attorney-General over the last 16 years, to resolve the case. "We've been really clear that our strong preference is not to engage in further protracted litigation that's very costly for both parties and for the taxpayer. "That's always been our intention and our hope that we can sit down and practically work through the solution to this." Attorney-General Judith Colllins. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi A Crown Law spokesperson said the Attorney-General had not received a recent request to meet with Stafford, but acknowledged the Attorney and Stafford had been communicating, most recently in December. Johnston said given the case had succeeded in court a number of times, the group did not think there was any benefit to more litigation and it also believed there was an economic imperative to resolve the case, as the future use of land across Te Tauihu in limbo until it was resolved. "There are significant areas of land that are subject to the proceedings and the proceedings need to be resolved before there can be further development on that land. "Our whānau, hapu and iwi as a collective, and of course the beneficiaries of this trust in particular, are really well placed to drive that economic development, whether it's in housing or commercial development or whatever it might look like across our region, we've proven that through our different incorporations and other entities over the years." Johnston said there were also government initiatives that could not be progressed in Te Tauihu until the case was resolved. Kaumātua Rore Stafford during the pōwhiri in 2024 to welcome members of the Crown legal team at Motueka's Te Āwhina Marae. Photo: NZ Herald/Melissa Banks Since the Supreme Court ruling, Stafford, on behalf of the descendants, had taken steps to ensure Tenths and occupation lands that remained in Crown ownership were not sold until the case was resolved. Court action was taken in 2018 to prevent the sale of a commercial property - Morrison Square - owned by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) in Nelson, as it was part of land the Crown failed to reserve under the Nelson Tenths agreement, but the appeal was unsuccessful. More than 20 retailers and commercial tenants were forced to vacate the Morrison Square shopping complex last year after engineering assessments revealed issues with the building's cladding system, and it was then earmarked for demolition. Originally named Fashion Island, the site at 244 Hardy Street was purchased by ACC for $22.7 million in 2008. It has since been sold by ACC to Nelson-owned business, Scott Construction, who have plans to redevelop the site.
